Il Tornabuoni

Il Tornabuoni, a Michelin Key Selected property in Florence, Italy, consistently receives high praise for its luxurious ambiance, exceptional service, and unbeatable central location. Housed within a 13th-century Renaissance palace, the hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern sophistication, providing guests with an authentic Florentine experience.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Il Tornabuoni is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as an excellent, stunning, and delightful luxury hotel. Many guests express a strong desire to return, highlighting a sense of being well taken care of and immersed in a memorable experience.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Il Tornabuoni for several key aspects:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff are frequently cited as going "above and beyond," being incredibly friendly, attentive, and helpful. Doormen, in particular, are noted for their genuine and welcoming demeanor.
• Location: Situated on Via de' Tornabuoni, in the heart of Florence's fashion district, the hotel boasts an unparalleled location. It's easily walkable to major attractions like the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, and Florence Cathedral, and surrounded by high-end shopping.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's design beautifully marries Renaissance-era architecture with modern updates. Guests appreciate the opulent touches like velvet drapery, jewel-toned wallpapers, herringbone flooring, and marble bathrooms, creating an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Some rooms even feature original frescoes or offer Duomo views.
• Rooftop Terrace: The Butterfly Terrace, a champagne bar on the rooftop, is a major highlight, offering panoramic views of Florence and a picturesque setting for evening drinks.
• Breakfast: The extensive breakfast spread is consistently praised as exceptional, with a wide variety of delicious options.

Room Quality

The 62 rooms and suites at Il Tornabuoni are described as unbelievably comfortable, clean, and beautiful, featuring refined artisanal furniture. They blend classic inspiration with contemporary comforts, including parquet floors and marble bathrooms. Amenities typically include a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle with tea/coffee ingredients, and excellent air conditioning. Some rooms boast views of the Duomo or original frescoes. While generally elegant, some reviews suggest rooms can be compact, advising guests to pack light. Turndown service is consistently provided.

Dining Experience

Il Tornabuoni offers a delightful culinary experience:

• Breakfast: Guests rave about the breakfast, available as both a buffet and à la carte. The buffet features freshly baked croissants, homemade cakes, fresh fruit, Italian coffee, and hot items like scrambled eggs. Many consider it "unreal" and a significant highlight of their stay.
• Restaurants & Bars: The hotel features Il Magnifico Restaurant, offering gourmet Tuscan cuisine, and Il Magnifico Café and Bar for all-day dining and drinks. La Cave provides a charming setting for private wine tastings, with a rich selection of Italian and French wines. The Butterfly Terrace, the rooftop champagne bar, is perfect for enjoying cocktails and views, though drinks can be pricey.

Service & Staff

The service at Il Tornabuoni is frequently highlighted as a strong point, with staff praised for being perfect, helpful, friendly, and going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and at home. The concierge team is particularly recommended for assisting with activity planning, such as private tours. While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few reviews mention that service, while well-intentioned, can sometimes feel "warm but sloppy" or indicate that the hotel might be "a little understaffed" in certain areas.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is consistently described as "prime" and "unbeatable." Situated on Via de' Tornabuoni, it's directly in Florence's high-end shopping district. Major attractions like the Uffizi Gallery and Florence Cathedral are within walking distance (around 0.27 to 0.3 miles), and Santa Maria Novella Station is approximately a 5-minute walk away. This central position makes it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot.

Value & Pricing

Il Tornabuoni is considered a luxurious property, with cash prices starting around €450 per night. Many guests find it to be excellent value, especially for those utilizing Hyatt points, with redemptions ranging from 25,000 to 43,000 points per night. While it represents a significant splurge for some, the consensus is that the location and overall experience justify the cost. However, some guests, particularly those accustomed to other ultra-luxury properties, note that while comfortable and central, it might feel more like a "points hotel" with materials feeling mid-range compared to Florence's most opulent palaces, which can cost significantly more.

Common Complaints

Despite widespread positive feedback, some recurring criticisms include:

• Fitness Center: The gym is often described as tiny, with limited equipment (a few cardio machines and some resistance contraptions), which might be inadequate for guests with a regular workout routine.
• Service Inconsistencies: While generally excellent, some isolated experiences point to service that, while "warm," could be perceived as "sloppy" or slightly understaffed, such as difficulties with late checkout requests or slow laundry service.
• Building Quirks: Being an older palace, the building can have a "weird flow" in its hallways and corridors. The elevators, typical of historic European properties, can be small.
• Minor Wear and Tear: A few reviews mention minor imperfections like peeling wallpaper or sticker residue, indicating that the property's "polish isn't always there" compared to pristine luxury standards.
• Parking: Parking is handled by a third party and is not complimentary, costing around €30 or thereabouts.
• Room Maintenance: One review mentioned a room leaking during heavy rain, though the issue was promptly addressed by staff.

Sources

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